Bakers, start your mixers: the great Canberra 'scone-off' is coming back

Several years ago, local Canberra foodie Elias Hallaj – literally CBRfoodie on Twitter/X – made the mistake of asking his social media followers where to find Australia’s best scones.

What came back were far too many suggestions from Sydney for his liking, so he made it his mission to put Canberra on the map.

With help from Serina Bird, author of The Joyful Frugalista, and Andrea Butler, founder of bakesale, an online baker directory and marketplace, he launched the inaugural ‘Canberra Scone-Off’ in November last year.

Think Great British Bake-Off style, but Canberra bakers vying to create the fluffiest and tastiest scones.

And next Saturday, it’s coming back for a second time.

As with the last one, it will be held at the Kippax Uniting Church because there is no better place.

“For many years, the church’s regular markets and morning tea sales developed a reputation for great scones, hand-made by a dedicated team of volunteers and led by some of the church’s older and wiser women,” Ms Bird says.

Late church member Jean Richens even received an award from former Governor-General Peter Cosgrove “in honour of her fantastic scones”.

Last year’s Scone-Off attracted 49 entrants, and they weren’t all as you might expect.

“We have a stereotypical idea sometimes about who is a good scone baker, but when you see the people who actually turn up and bake really good ones, it’s not always them,” Ms Bird says.

“I mean, we had a man take out the overall award, and we had a lot of young children who were very good too.”

Mind you, last year’s winner of best plain scones was also a man from the town of Scone in NSW – Peter Chapman.

But for the judges, there was no way of knowing that. They could only note how not only were his efforts the perfect size and cooked well, but also sounded hollow to tap – which means they’re fluffy inside and not doughy.

In a subsequent interview with Region, Mr Chapman put his success down to his grandmother’s sacred recipe. She had always baked scones for the Country Women’s Association’s regular fundraising events in Toowoomba.

“My father can’t believe that I can cook scones just like his wife,” he said.

“And I’m the only person in my house allowed to make scones.”

But Mr Chapman won’t be able to make it this year (something about his wedding anniversary, which admittedly is not an event to be missed lightly), so Ms Bird jokes “that should open up the competition to others a little more”.

“So far, we have 16 entries but we’re anticipating a lot more.”

The seven categories include plain scones, savoury scones, date scones, pumpkin scones, gluten-free scones, junior scones (for school-aged bakers), and “other scones” to allow for other varieties.

Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry will return as one of the judges, originally chosen last year because – in the words of organiser Mr Hallaj – “you would think that someone with the surname ‘Berry’ would have a firm opinion on jam-related questions about scones”.

“Scones with jam and cream are one of Australia’s most iconic and simple dishes, so it’s great we have a festival to celebrate them,” Ms Berry says.

“But this is not just about scones – it’s a celebration of food, community and fun.”

ABC’s Lish Fejer is also back as master of ceremonies, and local comedian Sarah Stewart will deliver a live show.

For those who can’t be bothered baking but still love a good scone, the Kippax Uniting Church will be selling Devonshire tea until 1 pm.

The Canberra Scone-Off will be held from 10 am to 12 pm, Saturday, 16 November, at Kippax Uniting Church, to coincide with Kippax Marketplace. All money raised from the day supports UnitingCare Kippax, including its ‘Let’s Give Everyone a Christmas’ campaign.

Bakers can register via Humanitix for a $5 entry fee.